We are writing to you following a meeting held on 2nd July 2013 at the House of Commons. This meeting
took place with a number of businesses and MPs in attendance, all of whom have raised very serious
concerns regarding the recent decision by Barclays Bank to withdraw the services it currently provides for
UK money-transfer firms.

As you are no doubt aware, money-transfer firms from across the UK have been in contact with their local
MPs following these restrictions that have been imposed on their businesses and essentially having their
services disrupted following the withdrawal of their accounts with Barclays Bank from 10th July 2013.

Barclays Bank has recently decided to withdraw the accounts it holds for UK money-transfer firms,
something which will negatively affect thousands of people and businesses across the UK, particularly
ethnic minority communities. The decision will also impact the wider international community, because this
vital function allows money-transfer firms to send funds from the UK to the places like the Indian
subcontinent and Africa.

According to the World Bank, recorded remittances from the UK totalled a $3.2billion in 2011. Officially
recorded remittances to developing countries reached $530 billion in 2012.

Remittance flows play an important role in providing direct support to families and poverty alleviation.
Local business traders and our constituents are therefore concerned that this decision may lead to closure
of these companies which provide vital service. We are also concerned that the market for money-transfer
will be limited to a handful of companies causing fees to rise, resulting in decreases of remittances and at
worst drive remittance giving underground.

While we understand that several money-transfer operators have had the deadline for withdrawal
extended by up to a month, we urge you to consider keeping the accounts you hold with money-transfer
firms open as long as possible. We understand that several money-transfer operators had their accounts be
closed on 10th July 2013 and others have had this extended by up to one month until 10th August 2013.

We understand that the risk of financial crime is an important regulatory issue and that Barclays has
concerns that money-transfer agencies might not have the proper checks in place to spot criminal activity.
While it is right for Barclays to undertake reviews of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism
policies and take action against such activities, we believe that the criteria with which Barclays has decided
to withdraw its accounts is unclear. Furthermore, Barclays needs to ensure it considers the wider value and
contribution of money-transfer agencies to ethnic minority communities across the country as well of the
economy of the UK and developing countries.

We therefore urge you to consider delaying the withdrawal of these accounts for an extended period of at
least 6 months, while alternatives solutions are sought.

We would be grateful if you could consider this request as a matter of urgency and to arrange a meeting
with us as soon as possible.